A bankrupt oilfield. A priceless jewel. A deadly promise.

1890 BAKU - a sleepy Caspian port on the edge of the Russian Empire transformed by the discovery of oil - where gilded palaces compete with toxic oil fields, and ancient traditions collide with industrial greed.

Anton Sabroski has come home. But the once-beautiful mansion on the shores of the Caspian Sea is silent and dark, a decaying relic in a bustling city. Upstairs, his father lies dying, his oil empire in ruins, his only bequest to his son a priceless jewelled egg containing a coded message, and the care of Klara, a fiercely independent girl.

Unable to accept that his father was responsible for the loss of his family’s fortunes, Anton begins to investigate. But Baku is a city of many faces and even old friends are not what they seem. And what of Klara – infuriating, intriguing Klara who is at home in a back street opium den as she is in a grand drawing room?

When Anton is brutally attacked by oil spies, he realises that if he is to survive, he will have to place his trust in his enigmatic new house guest.

Perfect for readers who love historical mystery thrillers with rich settings, full of twists and turns, and for fans of Robert Harris, William Boyd, Kate Quinn and Laura Shepherd Robinson.

The City of Winds historical series spans the years 1890 – 1920.

Buy Books 1 and 2 now. Book 3 coming 2027.

Awards and Praise

‘Kennedy debuts with a transporting historical thriller set in 1890 Azerbaijan. Her meticulous historical detail and unique premise set this apart.’ Publishers Weekly

'Silver Medal Winner.' Historical Novel Society (Historical Adventure Fiction)

'A gripping novel with an unusual setting - historical fiction that informs as well as entertains.' Historical Novel Society

'A spectacularly sweeping Caspian Sea oil thriller set in the Russian Empire. Readers who adore well-written historical thrillers will delight in this book. Very highly recommended.' Readers’ Favorite

'Mind‑blowing plot twist… brings a colorful and scary world to life.'Reedsy

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